Methods and apparatus for delivering a message to two or more associated wireless communication devices

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message, simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices are described. In one illustrative example, a request to deliver an SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to the request, the SMS message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In one preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless devices are possessed by the same end user so that SMS messages can be received regardless of which device is being used at any given moment. The method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Technology

The present application relates generally to wireless communicationnetworks and devices, and more particularly to Short Message Service(SMS) message delivery techniques within such networks.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are several different types of useful portable electronic deviceson the market today. An end user may own two or more of these electronicdevices, including a data communication device, a cellular telephone, amultiple-function communication device with data and voice communicationcapabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wirelesscommunication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem, as someexamples.

Some of these devices are equipped to send and receive Short MessageService (SMS) messages. SMS messages are different from e-mail messagesbut are delivered in a similar fashion with use of a uniquelyidentifying address. For example, the address may be a Mobile StationIntegrated International Service Digital Network (MSISDN) uniquelyassociated with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) that is insertedwithin a wireless communication device. Since each device is associatedwith a unique address, an end user who owns two or more of these devicesoften finds it inconvenient to continually make use of only one of thedevices to keep a single consistent address or point of contact withothers.

Accordingly, there is a resulting need for improved methods andapparatus for use in delivering SMS messages to wireless communicationdevices.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative example, a method for use in delivering a messagethrough a wireless communication network comprises the acts of receivinga request to deliver the message to a first wireless communicationdevice identified by a first address, and, in response to the request,causing the message to be delivered to the first wireless communicationdevice, and causing the message to be delivered to a second wirelesscommunication device identified by a second address different from thefirst address.

In another illustrative example, a method for use in delivering amessage through a wireless communication network comprises the acts ofreceiving a request to deliver a message from a first wirelesscommunication device identified by a first address to a second wirelesscommunication device identified by a second address; and, in response tothe request, providing a message-originating address with the messagethat comprises a third address which identifies a third wirelesscommunication device, and causing the message to be delivered to thesecond wireless communication device with the message-originatingaddress.

According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile station,comprises a receiver, a transmitter, a user interface, and one or moreprocessors coupled to the receiver, the transmitter, and the userinterface. The one or more processors are for use in receiving, from theuser interface, a request to deliver a message to a wirelesscommunication device, and, in response to the request, providing amessage-originating address with the message that identifies a differentmobile station, and causing the message to be delivered to the wirelesscommunication device with the message-originating address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system which includes awireless communication device for communicating in a wirelesscommunication network;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed example of a wireless communication device foruse in the wireless communication network;

FIG. 3 is a particular structure of a system for communicating with thewireless communication device;

FIG. 4 is a first flow diagram which illustrates a method for use insimultaneously delivering a Short Message Service (SMS) message to twoor more associated wireless communication devices operating in thewireless communication network (mobile-terminated example);

FIG. 5 is a second flow diagram which illustrates a method for use insimultaneously delivering an SMS message to two or more associatedwireless communication devices operating in the wireless communicationnetwork (mobile-originated example);

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a visual display of a first wirelesscommunication device which receives an SMS message; and

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a visual display of a second wirelesscommunication device which also receives the SMS message in accordancewith the techniques of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message simultaneously totwo or more associated wireless communication devices are describedherein. The message may be delivered as a Short Message Service (SMS)message or a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, as examples. Inone illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver such a message to afirst wireless communication device identified by a first address isreceived. In response to this request, the message is delivered to thefirst wireless communication device as well as to a second wirelesscommunication device identified by a second address different from thefirst address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the secondwireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user sothat SMS messages can be received regardless of which device is beingused by the end user at any given moment. This method may be executed bya server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wirelesscommunication device itself. In another illustrative embodiment, arequest to deliver a message from a first wireless communication deviceidentified by a first address to a second wireless communication deviceidentified by a second address is received. In response to this request,the message is delivered to the second wireless communication devicealong with a message-originating address that identifies a thirdwireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first andthe third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same enduser so that messages delivered therefrom can be identified from asingle address regardless of which device is being used by the end userat any given moment. This method may be executed by a server in thewireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication deviceitself.

General Configuration. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communicationsystem 100 which includes a wireless communication device 102 whichcommunicates through a wireless communication network 104. Wirelesscommunication device 102 preferably includes a visual display 112, akeyboard 114, and one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, eachof which is coupled to a controller 106. Controller 106 is also coupledto radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110.

In most modern communication devices, controller 106 is embodied as acentral processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in amemory component (not shown). Controller 106 will normally controloverall operation of wireless device 102, whereas signal processingoperations associated with communication functions are typicallyperformed in RF transceiver circuitry 108. Controller 106 interfaceswith device display 112 to display received information, storedinformation, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be atelephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normallyprovided for entering data for storage in wireless device 102,information for transmission to network 104, a telephone number to placea telephone call, commands to be executed on wireless device 102, andpossibly other or different user inputs.

Wireless device 102 sends communication signals to and receivescommunication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those ofbase station 120, including for example modulation/demodulation andpossibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is alsocontemplated that RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certainfunctions in addition to those performed by base station 120. It will beapparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 willbe adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which wirelessdevice 102 is intended to operate.

Wireless device 102 includes a battery interface 134 for receiving oneor more rechargeable batteries 132. Battery 132 provides electricalpower to (most if not all) electrical circuitry in wireless device 102,and battery interface 132 provides for a mechanical and electricalconnection for battery 132. Battery interface 132 is coupled to aregulator 136 which regulates power for the device. When wireless device102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry108 is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network,and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Such intermittentoperation of transmitter has a dramatic effect on power consumption ofwireless device 102. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceivercircuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off to conserve poweruntil it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) duringdesignated time periods.

Wireless device 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a datacommunication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-functioncommunication device with data and voice communication capabilities suchas a mobile telephone with data communication functionality, a personaldigital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or acomputer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, wireless device102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separatecomponents, including but in no way limited to a computer or otherdevice connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in thewireless device block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry 108and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may beinserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptopcomputer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliaryUIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is alsocontemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable ofwireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectivelyassume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of asingle-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a wirelessdevice 102 may have a more particular implementation as described laterin relation to wireless device 202 of FIG. 2.

Wireless device 102 operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)140 which is connected to or inserted in wireless device 102 at a SIMinterface 142. SIM 140 is one type of a conventional “smart card” usedto identify an end user (or subscriber) of wireless device 102 and topersonalize the device, among other things. Without SIM 140, thewireless device terminal is not fully operational for communicationthrough wireless network 104. By inserting SIM 140 into wireless device102, an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribedservices. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM 140 contains someuser parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI) and a Mobile Station Integrated International Service DigitalNetwork (MSISDN). In addition, SIM 140 is typically protected by afour-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) which is stored thereinand known only by the end user. An advantage of using SIM 140 is thatend users are not necessarily bound by any single physical wirelessdevice. Typically, the only element that personalizes a wireless deviceterminal is a SIM card. Therefore, the user can access subscribedservices using any wireless device equipped to operate with the user'sSIM.

Some information stored on SIM 140 (e.g. address book and SMS messages)may be retrieved and visually displayed on display 112. Wireless device102 has one or more software applications which are executed bycontroller 144 to facilitate the information stored on SIM 140 to bedisplayed on display 112. Controller 144 and SIM interface 142 have dataand control lines 144 coupled therebetween to facilitate the transfer ofthe information between controller 144 and SIM interface 142 so that itmay be visually displayed. An end user enters user input signals atkeyboard 114, for example, and in response, controller 144 controls SIMinterface 142 and SIM 140 to retrieve the information for display. Theend user may also enter user input signals at keyboard 114, for example,and, in response, controller 144 controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140to store information on SIM 140 for later retrieval and viewing.Preferably, the software applications executed by controller 106 includean application to retrieve and display address book information storedon SIM 140, and an application to retrieve and display SMS messageinformation stored on SIM 140.

Wireless device 102 communicates in and through wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is aGlobal Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)network. Wireless network 104 includes a base station 120 with anassociated antenna tower 118, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 126, aVisitor Location Register (VLR) 130, a Home Location Register (HLR) 132,and a Short Message Service Center (SM-SC) 128. MSC 126 is coupled tobase station 120 and to SM-SC 128, which is in turn coupled to othernetwork(s) 134.

Base station 120, including its associated controller and antenna tower118, provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage areacommonly referred to as a “cell”. Base station 120 transmitscommunication signals to and receives communication signals fromwireless devices within its cell via antenna tower 118. Base station 120normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encodingand/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the wireless device inaccordance with particular, usually predetermined, communicationprotocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station120 similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, ifnecessary, any communication signals received from wireless device 102within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary betweendifferent networks. For example, one network may employ a differentmodulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than othernetworks.

The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 representsone or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF)channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 andwireless device 102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that awireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, eachserved by a distinct base station 120 and transceiver, depending upondesired overall expanse of network coverage. All base stationcontrollers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches androuters (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers.

For all wireless devices 102 registered with a network operator,permanent data (such as wireless device 102 user's profile) as well astemporary data (such as wireless device's 102 current location) arestored in HLR 132. In case of a voice call to wireless device 102, HLR132 is queried to determine the current location of wireless device 102.VLR 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the dataof those wireless devices that are currently in its area ofresponsibility. This includes parts of the permanent wireless devicedata that have been transmitted from HLR 132 to VLR 130 for fasteraccess. However, VLR 130 may also assign and store local data, such astemporary identifications. Optionally, VLR 130 can be enhanced for moreefficient co-ordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality(e.g. paging for circuit-switched calls, and combined GPRS and non-GPRSlocation updates).

Being part of the GPRS network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is atthe same hierarchical level as MSC 126 and keeps track of the individuallocations of wireless devices. An SGSN also performs security functionsand access control. Further, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) providesinterworking with external packet-switched networks and is connectedwith SGSNs via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. The SGSN performsauthentication and cipher setting procedures based on the samealgorithms, keys, and criteria as in existing GSM. For SMS transfer overGPRS, the SGSN is used in place of MSC 126.

In order to access GPRS services, wireless device 102 first makes itspresence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as aGPRS “attach”. This operation establishes a logical link betweenwireless device 102 and the SGSN and makes wireless device 102 availableto receive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRSdata, or SMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data,wireless device 102 assists in activating the packet data address thatit wants to use. This operation makes wireless device 102 known to theGGSN; interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence.User data may be transferred transparently between wireless device 102and the external data networks using, for example, encapsulation andtunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocolinformation and transferred between wireless device 102 and the GGSN.

SMS makes use of SM-SC 128 which acts as a store-and-forward system forrelaying short messages. Messages are stored in the network until thedestination device becomes available, so a user can receive or transmitan SMS message at any time, whether a voice call is in progress or not.SM-SC 128 may be integrated with a Gateway MSC For Short Message Service(SMS-GMSC) and an Interworking MSC for Short Message Service(SMS-IWMSC), as would be the case shown in FIG. 1. An SMS-GMSC is afunction for receiving a short message from an SM-SC, interrogating anHLR for routing information and SMS info, and delivering the shortmessage for the recipient MS. An SMS-IWMSC is a function for receiving ashort message from within the network and submitting it to the recipientSM-SC. Other messages which may be delivered are Multimedia MessagingService (MMS) messages. The above configuration is preferably providedin substantial accordance with 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project,Technical Specification 03.40, V6.2.0, 2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS03.40).

As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed networkcomponents including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base stationcontrollers, network servers, and servers connected to network. Thoseskilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network may be connectedto other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitlyshown in FIG. 1. A network will normally be transmitting at very leastsome sort of paging and system information on an ongoing basis, even ifthere is no actual packet data exchanged. Although the network consistsof many parts, these parts all work together to result in certainbehaviours at the wireless link.

Preferred Wireless Communication Device. FIG. 2 is a detailed blockdiagram of a preferred wireless communication device 202. Wirelessdevice 202 is preferably a two-way communication device having at leastvoice and data communication capabilities, including the capability tocommunicate with other computer systems. Depending on the functionalityprovided by wireless device 202, it may be referred to as a datamessaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with datamessaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a datacommunication device (with or without telephony capabilities). Wirelessdevice 202 may be a mobile station, as it is in the preferredembodiment.

If wireless device 202 is enabled for two-way communication, it willnormally incorporate a communication subsystem 211, which includes areceiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as oneor more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218,local oscillators (LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digitalsignal processor (DSP) 220. Communication subsystem 211 is analogous toRF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will beapparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular designof communication subsystem 211 depends on the communication network inwhich wireless device 202 is intended to operate.

Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type ofnetwork utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access isassociated with a subscriber or user of wireless device 202. A GPRSdevice therefore operates in conjunction with a Subscriber IdentityModule, commonly referred to as a “SIM” card 256, in order to operate onthe GPRS network. Without such a SIM card 256, a GPRS device will not befully functional. Local or non-network communication functions (if any)may be operable, but wireless device 610 will be unable to carry out anyfunctions involving communications over the network. SIM 256 includesthose features described in relation to FIG. 1.

Wireless device 202 may send and receive communication signals over thenetwork after required network registration or activation procedureshave been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the networkare input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiverfunctions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering,channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2,analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signalallows more complex communication functions such as demodulation anddecoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, forexample, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input totransmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communicationnetwork via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communicationsignals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. Forexample, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 andtransmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in DSP 220.

Wireless device 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is oneimplementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overalloperation of wireless device 202. Communication functions, including atleast data and voice communications, are performed through communicationsubsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional devicesubsystems such as a display 222, a flash memory 224, a random accessmemory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, a serialport 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, a short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, and any other device subsystems generallydesignated at 242. Data and control lines 260 extend between SIMinterface 254 and microprocessor 238 for communicating data therebetweenand for control. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 performcommunication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide“resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such askeyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for bothcommunication-related functions, such as entering a text message fortransmission over a communication network, and device-resident functionssuch as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used bymicroprocessor 238 is preferably stored in a persistent store such asflash memory 224, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM), abattery backed-up RAM, or similar storage element (not shown). Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specificdevice applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into avolatile store such as RAM 226.

Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on wireless device202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic deviceoperations, including at least data and voice communication applications(such as a network re-establishment scheme), will normally be installedon wireless device 202 during its manufacture. A preferred applicationthat may be loaded onto wireless device 202 may be a personalinformation manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize andmanage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail,calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally,one or more memory stores are available on wireless device 202 and SIM256 to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the wireless device user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system therebycreating a mirrored host computer on wireless device 202 with respect tosuch items. This is especially advantageous where the host computersystem is the wireless device user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto wireless device 202 throughnetwork, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, andinstalled by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store forexecution by microprocessor 238. Such flexibility in applicationinstallation increases the functionality of wireless device 202 and mayprovide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions,or both. For example, secure communication applications may enableelectronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions tobe performed using wireless device 202.

In a data communication mode, data such as an SMS message will beprocessed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor238. Microprocessor 238 will preferably further process the signal foroutput to display 222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. Auser of wireless device 202 may also compose data items, such as SMSmessages, using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display 222 andpossibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 is preferably a completealphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed itemsmay be transmitted over a communication network through communicationsubsystem 211.

For voice communications, the overall operation of wireless device 202is substantially similar, except that the received signals would beoutput to speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be generated bymicrophone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on wirelessdevice 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferablyaccomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be usedto provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration ofa voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of wirelessdevice 202 by providing for information or software downloads towireless device 202 other than through a wireless communication network.The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load anencryption key onto wireless device 202 through a direct and thusreliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure devicecommunication.

Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between wirelessdevice 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarilybe similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrareddevice and associated circuits and components, a Bluetooth™communication module, or an 802.11 communication module, to provide forcommunication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ isa registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that “Bluetooth” and “802.11” refer to sets ofspecifications, available from the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE), relating to wireless personal areanetworks and wireless local area networks, respectively.

Wireless device 202 also includes a battery interface (such as thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 1) for receiving one or more rechargeablebatteries. Such a battery provides electrical power to most if not allelectrical circuitry in wireless device 202, and the battery interfaceprovides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The batteryinterface is coupled to a regulator which regulates power to all of thecircuitry.

Preferred Network Configuration. FIG. 3 shows a particular systemstructure for communicating with a wireless communication device. Inparticular, FIG. 3 shows basic components of an IP-based wireless datanetwork, such as a GPRS network. A wireless device 100 communicates witha wireless packet data network 145, and may also be capable ofcommunicating with a wireless voice network (not shown). The voicenetwork may be associated with IP-based wireless network 145 similar to,for example, GSM and GPRS networks, or alternatively may be a completelyseparate network. The GPRS IP-based data network is unique in that it iseffectively an overlay on the GSM voice network. As such, GPRScomponents will either extend existing GSM components, such as basestations 320, or require additional components to be added, such as anadvanced Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) as a network entry point 305.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gateway 140 may be coupled to an internal orexternal address resolution component 335 and one or more network entrypoints 305. Data packets are transmitted from gateway 140, which issource of information to be transmitted to wireless device 100, throughnetwork 145 by setting up a wireless network tunnel 325 from gateway 140to wireless device 100. In order to create this wireless tunnel 325, aunique network address is associated with wireless device 100. In anIP-based wireless network, however, network addresses are typically notpermanently assigned to a particular wireless device 100 but instead aredynamically allocated on an as-needed basis. It is thus preferable forwireless device 100 to acquire a network address and for gateway 140 todetermine this address so as to establish wireless tunnel 325.

Network entry point 305 is generally used to multiplex and demultiplexamongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such asthe Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these networkentry points 305, since they are also intended to centralize externallyavailable wireless network services. Network entry points 305 often usesome form of an address resolution component 335 that assists in addressassignment and lookup between gateways and wireless devices. In thisexample, address resolution component 335 is shown as a dynamic hostconfiguration protocol (DHCP) as one method for providing an addressresolution mechanism.

A central internal component of wireless data network 345 is a networkrouter 315. Normally, network routers 315 are proprietary to theparticular network, but they could alternatively be constructed fromstandard commercially available hardware. The purpose of network routers315 is to centralize thousands of base stations 320 normally implementedin a relatively large network into a central location for a long-haulconnection back to network entry point 305. In some networks there maybe multiple tiers of network routers 315 and cases where there aremaster and slave network routers 315, but in all such cases thefunctions are similar. Often network router 315 will access a nameserver 307, in this case shown as a dynamic name server (DNS) 307 asused in the Internet, to look up destinations for routing data messages.Base stations 320, as described above, provide wireless links towireless devices such as wireless device 100.

Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel 325 are opened acrosswireless network 345 in order to allocate necessary memory, routing, andaddress resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, such tunnels 325 areestablished as part of what are referred to as “PDP contexts” (i.e. datasessions). To open wireless tunnel 325, wireless device 100 must use aspecific technique associated with wireless network 345. The step ofopening such a wireless tunnel 325 may require wireless device 100 toindicate the domain, or network entry point 305 with which it wishes toopen wireless tunnel 325. In this example, the tunnel first reachesnetwork router 315 which uses name server 307 to determine which networkentry point 305 matches the domain provided. Multiple wireless tunnelscan be opened from one wireless device 100 for redundancy, or to accessdifferent gateways and services on the network. Once the domain name isfound, the tunnel is then extended to network entry point 305 andnecessary resources are allocated at each of the nodes along the way.Network entry point 305 then uses the address resolution (or DHCP 335)component to allocate an IP address for wireless device 100. When an IPaddress has been allocated to wireless device 100 and communicated togateway 140, information can then be forwarded from gateway 140 towireless device 100.

Wireless tunnel 325 typically has a limited life, depending on wirelessdevice's 100 coverage profile and activity. Wireless network 145 willtear down wireless tunnel 325 after a certain period of inactivity orout-of-coverage period, in order to recapture resources held by thiswireless tunnel 325 for other users. The main reason for this is toreclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for wireless device 100 whenwireless tunnel 325 was first opened. Once the IP address is lost andwireless tunnel 325 is torn down, gateway 140 loses all ability toinitiate IP data packets to wireless device 100, whether overTransmission Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol(UDP).

In this application, an “IP-based wireless network” (one specific typeof wireless communication network) may include but is not limited to:(1) a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network that has beendeveloped and operated by Qualcomm; (2) a General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) network for use in conjunction with Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) network both developed by standards committee ofEuropean Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations(CEPT); and (3) future third-generation (3G) networks like Enhanced Datarates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS). It is to be understood that although particular IP-basedwireless networks have been described, the communicationre-establishment schemes of the present application could be utilized inany suitable type of wireless packet data network.

The infrastructure shown and described in relation to FIG. 3 may berepresentative of each one of a number of different communicationnetworks which are provided and available in the same geographic region.One of these communication networks will be selected by the wirelessdevice, either in an automatic or manual fashion, for communications.

SMS Message Delivery Techniques. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram whichdescribes a method for use in delivering a message (e.g. an SMS message)simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices.Such a method may be employed in connection with components shown anddescribed above in relation to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 relates particularly toa method involving the two or more wireless devices which receive themessage (i.e. mobile-terminated message).

In general, the method of FIG. 4 involves receiving a request to deliveran SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by afirst address. In response to the request, the SMS message is deliveredto the first wireless communication device as well as to a secondwireless communication device identified by a second address differentfrom the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and thesecond wireless devices are possessed by the same end user so thatmessages can be received without fail regardless of which device isbeing used at any given moment. This method may be executed by a serverin the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communicationdevice itself.

Initially, an end user of an originating wireless device 450 uses akeyboard (or other user interface device) to navigate through a menu offeatures displayed on the visual display. The end user finds and selectsan “SMS message sending feature” provided by originating device 450,composes the SMS message, and depresses a button to send the SMS messageto a wireless device (e.g. wireless device 102) which is identified by afirst address (e.g. a first MSISDN). This causes the SMS message to besent from originating device 450 to SM-SC 128 (step 402), which isidentified by its own phone number stored at originating device 450.

In response to receiving this message, SM-SC 128 interrogates HLR 132and receives routing information for wireless device 102 associated withthe first address as is conventional (step 404). However, SM-SC 128 alsoidentifies a second address (e.g. a second MSISDN) of a second wirelessdevice 470 which is associated with wireless device 102. This may beperformed, for example, by issuing a query to a database to retrieve theadditional address or addresses. Once the additional second address isidentified, SM-SC 128 interrogates HLR 132 to receive routinginformation for second wireless device 470 having this second address(step 406).

SM-SC 128 then sends the short message to MSC 126 with use of a forwardshort message operation (e.g. “forwardShortMessage”) for wireless device102 (step 408). In addition, SM-SC 128 sends the same short message toMSC 126 with use of the forward short message operation for secondwireless device 470 (step 410). MSC 126 retrieves subscriber informationfor wireless device 102 from VLR 130, using an optional authenticationprocedure (step 412). Similarly, MSC 126 retrieves subscriberinformation for second wireless device 470 from VLR 130 (step 414).

MSC 126 then transfers the short message to wireless device 102 byissuing a page (step 416), performing authentication (step 420),receiving acknowledgement (step 424), and transferring the message (step428). Similarly, MSC 126 transfers the same short message to secondwireless device 470 by issuing a page (step 418), performingauthentication (step 422), receiving acknowledgement (step 426), andtransferring the message (step 430). To further illustrate, FIGS. 6 and7 show examples of visual displays 602 and 702 corresponding to wirelessdevice 102 and second wireless device 470, respectively, displaying theSMS message. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an SMS message 604 is deliveredto wireless device 102 and may be shown in its visual display 602;similarly, SMS message 604 is delivered to second wireless device 470and may be shown in its visual display 702, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Returning back to FIG. 4, MSC 126 may then return to SM-SC 128 theoutcome of the forward short message operation for wireless device 102.Similarly, MSC 126 may return to SM-SC 128 the outcome of the operationfor second wireless device 470. Assuming both message transfers aresuccessful, SM-SC 128 returns a status report indicating delivery of theshort message to the originating wireless device.

As apparent from FIG. 4, the same short message is simultaneouslydelivered to two different wireless devices which may be owned and/orpossessed by the same user. The method described in relation to FIG. 4assumes that wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470 are eachoperating on the same network having the same MSC 126; however they maybe on different networks or use different MSCs. Further, although eachstep outlined in FIG. 4 is illustrated as being performed simultaneously“in step” with the other, they do not need to be performed so closely intime together. What matters is that the short message gets delivered toboth wireless devices substantially at the same time (e.g. within a fewminutes from each other). Finally, although two wireless devices aredescribed as having the same message delivered to them, more than twowireless devices may be involved.

Although the additional functionality of the present application isdescribed as being associated with SM-SC 128 of FIG. 4, the sending ofthe short message to two different device addresses may be alternativelyemployed in wireless device 102. For example, although the end user oforiginating device 450 may depress the button on the device only once tosubmit the short message, this may cause originating device 450 to sendthe short message to both wireless device 102 and second wireless device470 (i.e. sequentially send two messages to two different addresses). Inthis particular embodiment, SM-SC 128 operates in a conventionalfashion.

FIG. 5 is another flow diagram which describes another method for use indelivering a message (e.g. an SMS message) simultaneously to two or moreassociated wireless communication devices. Such a method may be employedin connection with components shown and described above in relation toFIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 relates particularly to a method involving thewireless device which sends or originates (i.e. mobile-originatedmessage).

In general, the method of FIG. 5 involves receiving a request to delivera message from a first wireless communication device identified by afirst address to a second wireless communication device identified by asecond address. In response to this request, the message is delivered tothe second wireless communication device along with amessage-originating address that identifies a third wirelesscommunication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the thirdwireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user sothat messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a singleaddress regardless of which device is being used by the end user at anygiven moment. This method may be executed by a server in the wirelessnetwork or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself.

Initially, an originating wireless device 102 is powered on andregisters with the wireless network (step 502). An end user oforiginating wireless device 102 uses a keyboard (or other user interfacedevice) to navigate through a menu of features displayed on the visualdisplay. The end user finds and selects an “SMS message sending feature”provided by originating wireless device 102, composes the SMS message,and depresses a button to send the SMS message to a wireless device(e.g. a short message entity or SME in FIG. 5). This causes the SMSmessage to be sent from originating device 450 to MSC 126 (step 504). Inresponse, MSC 126 interrogates VLR 130 to verify that the messagetransfer does not violate the supplementary services invoked orrestrictions imposed (step 506). Next, MSC 126 sends the short messageto SM-SC 128 using the forward short message operation (e.g.“forwardShortMessage”) (step 508). In response, SM-SC 128 delivers theshort message to the SME (step 510) with an optional acknowledgement(step 512). SM-SC 128 acknowledges to MSC 126 a successful outcome ofthe forward short message operation (step 514). Finally, MSC 126 returnsto wireless device 102 the outcome of the operation (step 516).

The method of FIG. 5 of the present application differs fromconventional methods in that the SMS message is sent with amessage-originating address (e.g. an MSISDN) that is different from theaddress normally used to identify wireless device 102. In particular,the message-originating address sent with the SMS message is the addressof a wireless communication device that is associated with wirelessdevice 102. In a preferred scenario, the message-originating address maybe that of another different wireless device that is owned and/orpossessed by the same end user. In this way, short messages from thesame end user appear to be sent by the same device/user.

The special addressing technique of FIG. 5 may be employed at a serverin the wireless network (e.g. SM-SC 128) or, alternatively, by thewireless communication device itself (e.g. originating wireless device102). For example, SM-SC 128 may receive the short message from wirelessdevice 102, subsequently identify the alternative address associatedwith it and accordingly change the message-originating address (prior tostep 510). A query to a database may be used to retrieve thisalternative address associated with the original address of wirelessdevice 102.

As another example, wireless device 102 may itself automatically insertthe alternate address (different from its normal address) prior tosending the short message to MSC 126 (prior to step 504). Preferably,the procedure to modify the originating address is subject to anappropriate security mechanism to prevent misuse (e.g. “spoofing”). Forexample, one such method may involve inserting the SIM from the otherwireless communication device into wireless device 102 temporarily, sothat a certificate or other authority can be granted to allow wirelessdevice 102 to temporarily use the MSISDN from the other device (e.g. fora predetermined time period or a predetermined number of messages).

The above techniques described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 arepreferably provided in accordance with 3^(rd) Generation PartnershipProject, Technical Specification 03.40, V6.2.0, 2001-12 (Release 1997)(3GPP TS 03.40), having suitable modifications made as desired.

Thus, methods and apparatus for use in delivering a messagesimultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication deviceshave been described. The message may be delivered as a Short MessageService (SMS) message or a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message,as examples. In one illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver such amessage to a first wireless communication device identified by a firstaddress is received. In response to this request, the message isdelivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to asecond wireless communication device identified by a second addressdifferent from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first andthe second wireless communication devices are possessed by the same enduser so that messages can be received without fail regardless of whichdevice is being used by the end user at any given moment. In anotherillustrative embodiment, a request to deliver a message from a firstwireless communication device identified by a first address to a secondwireless communication device identified by a second address isreceived. In response to this request, the message is delivered to thesecond wireless communication device along with a message-originatingaddress that identifies a third wireless communication device. In apreferred scenario, the first and the third wireless communicationdevices are possessed by the same end user so that messages deliveredtherefrom can be identified from a single address regardless of whichdevice is being used by the end user at any given moment. This methodmay be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively,by the wireless communication device itself.

The above-described embodiments of invention are intended to be examplesonly. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected toparticular embodiments by those of skill in art without departing fromscope of invention, which is defined solely by claims appended hereto.

1. A method for use in delivering a message through a wirelesscommunication network comprising the acts of: receiving a request todeliver the message to a first wireless communication device identifiedby a first address; and in response to the request: causing the messageto be delivered to the first wireless communication device; and causingthe message to be delivered to a second wireless communication deviceidentified by a second address different from the first address.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the method is employed by amessage-originating wireless communication device and the requestcomprises a user request received through a user interface of themessage-originating wireless communication device.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the method is employed in one or more servers of thewireless communication network and the request comprises a requestreceived from a message-originating wireless communication deviceoperating in the wireless communication network.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the method is employed by a Short Message Service Center(SM-SC) in the wireless communication network.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the message comprises a Short Message Service (SMS) message. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a MultimediaMessaging Service (MMS) message.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: identifying the second address through an association withthe first address.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inresponse to the request: requesting and receiving routing informationfor the first and the second communication devices.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the act of causing the message to be delivered to thesecond wireless communication device comprises causing the message to bedelivered to the second wireless communication device contemporaneouslywith the delivery to the first wireless communication device.
 10. Amethod for use in delivering a message through a wireless communicationnetwork comprising the acts of: receiving a request to deliver a messagefrom a first wireless communication device identified by a first addressto a second wireless communication device identified by a secondaddress; and in response to the request: providing a message-originatingaddress with the message that comprises a third address which identifiesa third wireless communication device; and causing the message to bedelivered to the second wireless communication device with themessage-originating address.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein themethod is employed by the first wireless communication device and therequest comprises a user request received through a user interface ofthe first wireless communication device.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the method is employed in one or more servers of the wirelesscommunication network and the request comprises a request received fromthe first wireless communication device operating in the wirelesscommunication network.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method isemployed by a Short Message Service Center (SM-SC) in the wirelesscommunication network.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the messagecomprises a Short Message Service (SMS) message.
 15. The method of claim10, wherein the message comprises a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)message.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising: identifying thethird address through an association with the first address.
 17. Amobile station, comprising: a receiver; a transmitter; a user interface;one or more processors coupled to the receiver, the transmitter, and theuser interface; and the one or more processors for use in: receiving,from the user interface, a request to deliver a message to a wirelesscommunication device; and in response to the request: providing amessage-originating address with the message that identifies a differentmobile station; and causing the message to be delivered to the wirelesscommunication device with the message-originating address.
 18. Themobile station of claim 17, wherein the message comprises a ShortMessage Service (SMS) message.
 19. The mobile station of claim 17,wherein the message comprises a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)message.